San Diego won the game 27-24 in overtime to clinch the sixth and final playoff spot in the AFC.

"On the play, San Diego lined up with seven men on one side of the snapper. This should have been penalized as an illegal formation by the defense," the league statement said.

"Rule 9, Section 1, Article 3 (b) (1) of the NFL Rule Book (page 51) states that 'No more than six Team B players may be on the line of scrimmage on either side of the snapper at the snap.' The rule was adopted this year as a player safety measure.

"The penalty for illegal formation by the defense is a loss of five yards. This rule is not subject to instant replay review. Had the penalty been assessed, it would have resulted in a fourth-and-seven from the San Diego 18 with 0:04 remaining, enabling the Chiefs to attempt a 36-yard field goal."

If Succop had made that kick, the Chiefs would have won the game - eliminating the Chargers and giving the Steelers the conference's final postseason berth.

Instead, the Chargers will head to Cincinnati for a wild-card game Sunday against the Bengals.